Accused cartel member may be released from jail before transfer to El Paso
An accused Cartel member could be released from jail with conditions before his trial.
On Wednesday, 28-year-old Esteban Garcia, appeared in federal court following a raid of three homes in Lubbock in the past week.
Homeland Security and officer with the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office raided a home in the Southwest Lubbock neighborhood of LakeRidge, that is where they arrested Garcia.
Special agents also raided a home in the 5000 block of 50th Street and another home in the 6500 block of 92nd Street.
According to a spokesman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agencies seized 61 pounds of narcotics, $38,000 in cash, two vehicles, two motorcycles, three boats and a jet ski.
Garcia's 9 drug-related charges were filed in the Western District of Texas, El Paso Division.
On Wednesday, Garcia appeared in federal court with his attorney where they waived the identity hearing.
Garcia will be transferred to the Western District for trial, but the prosecution and defense announced they came to an agreement on his release with conditions.
Those conditions include a bond of $100,000.
Garcia must also surrender his passport or visa.
His travel will be limited to the Northern and Western Districts.
Garcia must also live with his sister who has agreed to be a third party custodian, ensuring he follows the conditions of his release.
Electronic Monitoring will also ensure he returns to her home following work or church; his curfew will be 11 p.m. unless work requires him to stay later.
The agreement also states Garcia will sell his trucking company and seek other employment.
This is a multi-defendant case and Garcia will not be allowed to have contact with any of the co-defendants.
The judge said he will review this agreement and make sure it is safe for the community if Garcia is released.
He also wants to ensure Garcia is not a flight risk.
The judge said Garcia's arraignment will be the next time he appears in court.
